A hub of activities, restaurants, bars and parties, it is hard to know what things to do in Canggu.
Whether you are planning a week-long trip, or looking to make the area home, this breakdown will give you an idea of the best places to hang out, where to relax, and where to eat. For the solo traveller or group of friends, make this your Canggu to-do-list.
Explore the town and tick-off as you go, enjoying some of the best things to do in Canggu.
Find the Villa of Your Dreams
The first stop in any Canggu adventure is finding a villa that will add a little luxury to your holiday.
Canggu is filled with some of the most luxurious villas on the island – from beachfront, to town centre, to rice paddy views.
With private pools, cinema rooms, unbeatable service and ultra-luxurious bedrooms, you need the perfect accommodation for a memorable getaway.
Canggu has some incredible private villas that will make your stay all the more magnificent.
Splash Your Cash at the Weekly Markets
Canggu hotspots La Laguna, La Brisa and Love Anchor each hold weekly markets selling homemade wares, independent brands and locally produced goods.
The ideal gifts for souvenirs and mementos, you can spend a long afternoon exploring the racks for cheeky t-shirts, doggy bandanas and handmade jewellery.
This is one of my favourite things to do in Canggu, cos who doesn’t love to shop?
Spruce Up Your Home with Billie’s
Billie's
Let’s stick to the topic of shopping for a second. If you are searching for more souvenirs, homewares or decor for your apartment, Billie’s is where to go.
Filled with a selection of independent brands, the shop is brimming with cute wall hangings, picture frames, plant pots and more doggy bandanas!
This is where I head for birthday present shopping, or just some pretty window browsing.
Surf the Bay’s Bangin’ Breakers
Surfing is one of the most popular past-times in Canggu.
With the beginner waves at Berawa, there is the opportunity for even the most uncoordinated of individuals to learn.
Hire one of the pro-instructors from the beach to teach you the basics and lend you a board.
Even if you eat sand a few times, get up and try again! You won’t regret it.
Unlock Your Chakras in Yoga Asana at The Practice
The Practice
If surfing isn’t your thing, then maybe a yoga class is more up your alley.
Take a relaxing break from busy Canggu days to connect with yourself and stretch out your aching muscles.
Offering beginners classes, masterclasses and even a lesson for children – everyone can enjoy time at The Practice Studio. Friendly, caring and dedicated teachers will take you on the journey of reconnecting with your body.
Doing yoga in Canggu is a staple among the expats.
Dive into Your Mind at Solace Float
Solace Float
Sensory deprivation tanks have become all the rage in the past few years, and Canggu has hopped on the trend.
Solace Float offers a range of packages from 1 float up to 12!
Disconnecting from distractions and immersing yourself in your mind – it isn’t for everybody. But for those curious to connect with themselves on a deeper level, lose some anxiety and aid immunity, floating may be just your style!
Take that, Mother Huckers!
Mother Huckers
From relaxation to, well let’s be honest, violence..
Taking out your frustration isn’t always as easy as some deep breaths and downward dogs, sometimes you just need to hit and throw things.
Mother Huckers satisfies those cravings.
Get together with friends for a night of axe throwing and craft beers, where you can start a competition or just thump out the stress.
Laze the Day Away on the Beach
One of the best Canggu things to do, when you don’t want to do anything, is chilling on the beach.
Beach bars sit right on the oceanfront stacked with bean bags and umbrellas where you can order a round of coconuts.
For a more lavish day, head to Finn’s Beach Club with huge sun beds and a refreshing pool looking out to the sea.
No matter your budget or style, the beach never disappoints.
Have the Pamper Day You Deserve
Speaking of lazing.. A pamper day is exactly what the doctor ordered after long rides on the motorbike and buffed up nail polish in the ocean.
Spend a day at one of the popular Canggu spas for intense Balinese massages, foot rubs and manicures.
Leave feeling the best version of yourself, ready to take on the Canggu streets.
Fight Plastic Pollution
If you are going to enjoy the beach, then you should also care for it.
Expats and locals alike plan weekly beach clean ups in Canggu where you can join an environmental army heading down the beach to pick up trash.
Giving back to the planet feels great!
Scoot Around Town
Berawa has a special Mini Mart that rents out electric scooters by the hour.
Ideal for a sunset exploration, take to the streets – carefully – with the electric motor charging you around town.
Head for a coffee, for groceries or to an evening meal on the smooth ride. Just make sure to return it before the charge runs out!
Lather Your Face in 24K Gold at Goldust Beauty Lounge
Goldust Beauty Lounge
You may think I am exaggerating, but at Goldust Beauty Lounge they will literally smother 24-carat gold onto your face.
For a relaxing day with your best friends, this lavish experience shouldn’t be missed.
Pampering is one of my favourite things to do in Canggu, and you can’t beat this decadent treatment.
Also offering manicures, massages and ablutions of all kinds, spend a day just chillaxing.
Explore Finn’s Recreation Club
Finns Recreation Club
One of the best places to visit in Canggu when you can’t make up your mind, Finn’s Recreation Club has a little bit of everything.
Featuring tennis courts, a water park, swimming pool, gym, bowling alley and sports bar, you can’t tell me you would be stuck for something to do here.
Offering a 1-day pass up to a 20-year membership, you can explore the vast club with your friends and family for a day everyone will enjoy.
There is even a great coworking spot for Bali digital nomads needing to get down to business between all the fun.
Take a Break from the Kids at Tamora Gallery
Keeping children entertained during a long getaway can be tough, they are constantly searching for the next thing to do, next game to play and next pool to plunge into.
Tamora Gallery has a kids day each Sunday where they can enjoy face painting, competitions and charge around on the playground.
A great time for the parents to take a respite, the children can use up their energy ensuring a quiet night back home.
Get Lost in the Rice Paddies
You can’t say you have visited Canggu without taking a day to explore the rice paddies.
One of the remaining traditional elements of the town, explore the smaller idyllic streets by motorbike encompassed by luscious greenery. Pererenan is a great area for this!
Kindly ask the local farmers if you can wander through the fields, grab some stunning pictures and learn about the process of sawah, to beras, to nasi.
Sparkle and Shine at a Jewellery Class
If you are looking for what to do in Canggu by yourself, taking a jewellery class is definitely one of the best options.
Come away with some new knowledge, and a glittering piece of jewellery!
On Batu Bolong there is a school offering a range of ½ day to full day classes where you can design, shape and wear beautiful sterling silver.
Take a break from the sun and create some special mementos of your trip.
Trot Around the Paddocks in Berawa
For the equestrian inclined, the Bali Equestrian Centre in Berawa takes the amazing care of their horses and offers a range of activities from riding, to children’s parties, to photoshoots or events.
You can spend a day at the centre with the friendly staff and exquisite animals trotting around the paddock overlooking luscious green rice paddy views.
It is a unique thing to do with the children in Canggu.
Watch the World Pass by Over Breakfast at Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Serving a taste of home with delicious sweet pastries and savoury snacks, Copenhagen is one of the most popular cafes among the European expats for a sentimental meal.
Grab an early coffee before work, or after a morning on the waves, it is one of the best places to watch the world go by with a tasty snack.
Gossip Over a Long Brunch
After a heavy night of partying, there is nothing better than a long brunch that runs into the afternoon.
Some of the best spots to hit for greasy food that cures a hangover are; Nude, Crate Cafe, The Loft, Hungry Bird, Nalu Bowls and Milk & Madu.
You can’t beat an ice cold coffee, fresh fruit and gossip from the night before.
Tuck Into Fresh Fish at Moana
Moana Fish Eatery
Whenever my family comes to visit, they know we will be going to Moana.
Dining over fresh fish, prawn curries, mahi-mahi burgers and sweet coconut cheesecake brings me joy.
One of the places to visit in Canggu for delicious seafood, you can’t beat the chill Tahiti vibe and friendly staff.
Grab your loved ones and enjoy an undoubtedly delicious meal! It is one of my favourite restaurants in Canggu.
Relish in Indonesian Cuisine
Just off the Canggu shortcut, Warung Heboh is a prime example of amazing local meals.
Traditionally set up as a buffet-style restaurant, you can select the veg, meats and extras of your choice drenched in spicy sambal – or if you are like me, curry-style ‘kuah’ – to eat with your hands.
Once you try it, you will never want a McDonald’s again!
Learn the Secrets of Balinese Cooking
After sampling some of the best food on the island, you are bound to want to take the tastes of Bali home with you.
Joining a cooking class and learning the tricks of the trade to be able to replicate it back home is one of the best things to do in Canggu.
Learn from the best cooks how to master the delicate spices, juicy chicken and fresh spicy vegetables.
Go Vegan!
Speaking of food, Canggu is the place to be for vegans.
The Shady Shack, I Am Vegan Babe, Cafe Organic and Peloton Supershop, are all popular cafes catering to the diet.
With such a wide variety of meal and snack options, that do no harm to the world, immerse yourself into the plant-based life – even if just for a day.
Please Your Sweet Tooth at Vincent Nigita
I’m all for fancy dinners and special meals, but where you will really interest me, is with dessert.
Vincent Nigita has hit the nail on the head with its dessert bar.
Offering the most decadent and luxurious of sweet treats, this is the perfect place to come on a date night.
Matching alcohols to delicious cakes and pastries, I can’t think of a more romantic setting, covered in chocolate..
Dine Under the Stars at Caravan
Caravan By Cabanon
Sunset is one of the busiest times on the beachfront, but Caravan still keeps an air of cool chill relaxation situated just a few meters back from the ocean.
Dine with friends and family over a delicious fresh meal as the sky changes from pink to orange to red above.
Step out onto the sand to get a sunset pic, before heading back to your seafood pasta and delicious wine.
Twice As Many Drinks!
The majority of bars and beach clubs around Canggu offer some kind of happy hour 2-4-1 in the evening.
The Lawn and La Brisa are both popular with the Canggu crowd for fancy cocktails as the sunsets.
Playing cool tunes in the back and enjoying the dropping temperature, sunset drinks are one of the best things to do in Canggu.
Dig Into Free Snacks at Black Sand Brewery
Black Sand Brewery
From 5pm – 7pm on a Sunday, Black Sand Brewery offers a free buffet of delicious snack bites accompanied by the best 80s music playlist on the island.
The selection of home-brewed beers gives an escape from Bintang for a more delicate and professional palate.
Gather with your friends for an evening of nibbles and refreshments, before heading out for a night on the town!
Boogie to the Live Band at Deus Temple
Deus Ex Machina
In the heart of the action, Deus Temple is well-known for hosting some of the best bands in Bali every week!
The chill backyard vibe makes it the ideal place to head after a sunset on the beach.
Grab your friends and a Bintang, and join the crowds of music fanatics. Ranging from indie to reggae, each week is a different experience. A great end to an island week.
Get a Post Party Snack from Pit Stop
Pit Stop
After dancing up a storm, you are going to be craving a snack, and there’s no better drunken delight than a big juicy burger.
Pit Stop holds the prime spot in my heart for the best burgers in town.
Accommodating to carnivores and vegans, serving french fries and ice-cold drinks, this is where you will find me after a party. Elbows deep into a King Burger!
Final Thoughts
Canggu is thriving with activity from the early morning surfers to the late night partiers.
Check out these amazing things to do in Canggu that will get you in among the action and living like a local.
What’s the first thing you’re going to do in the ‘gu?!
